Senior Procurement Officer

Client is seeking an experienced Lead IT Procurement Officer to manage the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for IT software, hardware, professional services, and technical staffing. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in IT procurement, contract management, vendor management, business analysis, and project management within a government or large enterprise environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with internal stakeholders, Information Technology Services (ITS), and external vendors to ensure procurement activities comply with State procurement laws, policies, and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of the IT procurement lifecycle, including planning, sourcing, solicitation, evaluation, contract award, and vendor management.
• Develop, prepare, and manage Request for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Quotes (RFQs), Request for Information (RFIs), and other procurement solicitations.
• Gather, analyze, and document business requirements from stakeholders to support procurement initiatives.
• Collaborate with business units, technical teams, legal, finance, and executive leadership throughout the procurement process.
• Evaluate vendor proposals, bids, and quotations using established evaluation criteria.
• Coordinate procurement activities in compliance with State procurement regulations and Information Technology Services (ITS) guidelines.
• Conduct market research and recommend technology products and services that best meet organizational needs.
• Manage vendor relationships, contract compliance, and procurement documentation.
• Lead multiple procurement projects simultaneously while ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Develop procurement reports, project updates, and executive-level presentations.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and ensure audit readiness.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to increase procurement efficiency and effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in IT Procurement, Business Analysis, Project Management, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 10 years of experience gathering, documenting, and communicating business requirements and user stories.
• Minimum 10 years of experience documenting business processes and workflows.
• Minimum 10 years of experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Minimum 10 years of Business Analyst and/or Project Management experience.
• Minimum 10 years of experience working with State Government procurement processes.
• Minimum 10 years of experience creating procurement solicitations for IT software, hardware, and professional services.
• Strong understanding of procurement regulations, contract administration, and vendor management.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Mississippi Purchasing Agent (CMPA) Certification.
• Experience working with Mississippi Information Technology Services (ITS).
• Experience evaluating vendor proposals and conducting procurement scoring.
• Procurement certifications such as CPPB, CPPO, CPSM, or PMP are a plus.